Case for portable display devices

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a case for a portable display device that can realize a large-sized screen by interconnecting a plurality of display elements. When the display elements are unfolded, the adjacent sides of the display elements closely contact each other, thereby minimizing the non-display area. When the display elements are folded, the outer surface of the display elements can be protected. The case includes a foldable panel housing receiving at least two flat display panel elements. The panel housing is provided with an opening such that when the panel housing is unfolded, the adjacent sides of the flat display elements closes contact each other. The case further includes a hinge supporting member for providing the folding/unfolding operation of the panel housing and cover means for covering a side of the flat display elements, which is exposed through the opening, to protect the display elements.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-information displaydevice that can realize the large-sized screen by connecting pluraldisplay elements, and more particularly to a fordable case for aportable display device that can minimize the non-display area bydisposing adjacent display elements such that the adjacent walls of thedisplay elements are arranged on an identical line when the device isunfolded and that can protect sidewalls of display elements, which areexposed outside when the device is folded.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In recent years, as the portable information device has beendeveloped, it has been possible for a user to connect to the network andto computing-work using a portable computer, a digital portablecommunication device and other periphery devices regardless of where theuser is.

[0003] Accordingly, the use of the portable information devices isgradually increased. Therefore, it is required to reduce the size,weight, thickness of a variety of information devices such as mobilephones, e-books, portable computers and personal digital assistants(PDA) considering the mobility of the systems.

[0004] However, as the size of the portable information device isreduced, although the mobility and portability of the device areimproved, the screen size for displaying the information is reduced.

[0005] Accordingly, a display device that is designed to display a largeamount of information by making the utmost use of the reduced screensize while satisfying the mobility and portability has been developed.

[0006] As an example, a multi-information display device having pluraldisplay elements connected to be adjacent to each other to realize thelarge sized screen for displaying a large amount of information.

[0007] As the display elements used in the multi-information displaydevice, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor(TFT)-LCD, a field emission display (FED), a plasma display panel (PDP),and an electro luminescent (EL) are usually used.

[0008] However, the adjacent sidewalls of the display elements of theprior art are not exactly arranged on an identical line and theperiphery surfaces in the vicinity of the adjacent sidewalls areenclosed by a housing (or a case), defining the non-display areas. Thenon-display areas in the vicinity of the adjacent sidewalls make thescreens of the display elements is seen to be divided, deteriorating thedisplay quality of the device.

[0009] As another embodiment, a foldable information display devicehaving two cases receiving flat display elements foldable on each other.However, in the foldable information display, the flat display elementsare closely arranged to reduce the non-display area when the device isunfolded, as a result of which the adjacent portions of the elements areexposed outside when the cases are folded on each other, thereby easilydamaging the devices by outer shock.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0010] The present invention has been made in an effort to solve theabove described problems.

[0011] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a case fora portable display device that can minimize the non-display area bydisposing adjacent display devices such that the adjacent walls of thedisplay elements are arranged on an identical line when the device isunfolded and that can protect sidewalls of display elements, which areexposed outside when the device is folded,

[0012] It is another objective of the present invention to provide afordable display device that is designed to cover adjacent portions offlat panel display elements that are exposed outside when the device isfolded, thereby protecting the device from being damaged.

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provide acase for a portable display device, comprising a foldable panel housingreceiving at least two flat panel display elements, the flat paneldisplay elements having adjacent sidewalls contacting each other whenthe panel housing is unfolded; a folding support member for supporting afolding operation of the panel housing; and cover means for covering theadjacent sidewalls of the flat panel display elements when the panelhousing is folded.

[0014] The panel housing includes an opening defined by cutting thesidewalls, the opening being designed such that the adjacent sidewallsof the flat panel display elements contact each other when the panelhousing is unfolded.

[0015] The cover means is mounted on the folding part of the panelhousing. And the cover means is operated to a location where the covermeans dose not interfere the contact of the adjacent sidewalls of theflat panel display elements when the panel housing is unfolded.

[0016] The panel housing is provided with a space in which the covermeans is received when the panel housing is folded, the space beinglocated on an inner or outer side of the panel housing.

[0017] The case may further comprises fixing means for fixing the covermeans, the fixing means being an elastic member. The cover means mayfurther comprises shock-absorbing means mounted on an inner surface ofwhich.

[0018] The folding support member includes a hinge mounted on arotational center of the panel housing. And the folding support memberincludes two rotational bars one ends of which is coupled to the panelhousing and a rotational shaft on which each of the other ends of therotational bars are fixed.

[0019] The cover means comprises a center cover for covering thesidewalls of the flat panel display elements and bendable side coversextending from both sides of the center cover, the center cover beingreceived in a shelter formed on the panel housing when the panel housingis unfolded.

[0020] A flexible connecting member is disposed between the center coverand the side covers.

[0021] The cover means may further comprises a hinge shaft projectedfrom the side covers and coupled to the panel housing. And the covermeans may further comprises a cover mounted on upper and lower portionof the center cover.

[0022] The case may further comprises cover-folding means for foldingthe cover means to the shelter when the panel housing is folded andunfolded.

[0023] The cover-folding means comprises an elastic member coupledbetween an inner wall of the shelter and the side covers. Thecover-folding means comprises a stopper for preventing the side coversfrom rotating outward. And the cover-folding means comprises a guideprojection formed on the side covers and a guide groove for guiding aninward rotation of the guide projection to the shelter.

[0024] According to another embodiment of the present invention, thecover means is designed to be flexible and received in a shelter of thepanel housing, the shelter receiving the cover means so that the covermeans is not exposed outside when the panel housing is unfolded.

[0025] The cover means comprises a center cover for covering thesidewalls of the flat panel display elements, side covers connected toboth sides of the center cover by connecting portions, and a hook stepformed on one ends of the side covers.

[0026] The case may further comprise an elastic member connected betweenan inner wall of the shelter and the hook step.

[0027] The cover means may be formed of plural unit covers between whichconnecting portions are disposed such that the cover means is bendable.And the cover means may be formed of a flexible sheet.

[0028] The cover means may further comprises a mounting part mounted onupper and lower portions of the center cover and a longitudinal grooveformed on the mounting part, the folding support member being providedwith a shaft projection coupled to the longitudinal groove.

[0029] The case may further comprises a finalizing part formed on thepanel housing to enclose the mounting part.

[0030] According to still another embodiment of the present invention,the cover means comprises first and second unit covers flexiblyconnected by a connecting part, the first unit cover being fixed on apanel housing, and the second unit cover being received in a shelter.

[0031] The cover means comprises a hinge shaft mounted on the first unitcover, the hinge shaft being inserted into a groove formed on the panelhousing, the panel housing is provided with a hook portion forpreventing the hinge shaft from moving away.

[0032] Alternatively, the both ends of the cover means are rotatablycoupled on the panel housing to cover the opening when the panel housingis folded.

[0033] The cover means may be formed of flexible sheet, one end of whichis fixed inside a panel housing and the other end of which is mounted onthe other panel housing with an elastic member interposed.

[0034] The cover means is attached on the inner surface of a panelhousing.

[0035] The one end of the cover means connected to the elastic member isreceived in the shelter.

[0036] According to still another embodiment of the present invention,the cover means is designed to be extended when the panel housing isfolded and to be shrunken when the panel housing is unfolded. That is,the cover means is formed in a bellows-shape.

[0037] The cover means comprises a coupling part fixed on an innersurface of the sidewall of the panel housing and a bellows part. Inaddition, the cover means may further comprise a protecting cover forcovering upper and lower portions of the cover means.

[0038] The cover means is formed of a material selected from the groupconsisting of fabric and synthetic resin.

[0039] The protecting cover comprises a coupling member coupled to thefolding support member, a holder coupled to the coupling member andconnected to the bellows part, and a cover for covering the holder.

[0040] According to still another embodiment of the present invention,the cover means is formed of plural unit covers slidably connected toeach other.

[0041] The case may further comprises a shelter for receiving the covermeans when the panel housing is unfolded. The shelter is formed on thesidewall of the panel housing.

[0042] The cover means comprises first and third covers each having asliding groove, a second cover having a sliding projection slidablyinserted into the sliding grooves, and a bendable connecting partextending from the first and third covers and rotatably coupled to thepanel housing.

[0043] The cover means may further comprises a mounting part formed onupper and lower portions of the second cover and a longitudinal grooveformed on an inner surface of the mounting part and coupled to a shaftprojection of the folding support member.

[0044] According to still another embodiment of the present invention,the case may further comprises sliding guide means for guiding the covermeans behind the folding part of the panel housing when the panelhousing is unfolded.

[0045] The cover means comprises a cover body for covering the openingof the panel housing and the sidewalls of the flat panel displayelements and a mounting part formed on upper and lower portions of thecover body. And the cover means further comprises a guide wall enclosingthe sidewall of the panel housing to prevent the panel housing frominadvertently unfolding.

[0046] The mounting part is provided with a longitudinal groove in whicha shaft projection of the folding support member is coupled.

[0047] The sliding guide means comprises a longitudinal groove formed onthe mounting part and a shaft projection formed on the folding supportmember and coupled to the longitudinal groove.

[0048] The sliding guide means is further provided with an inclinegroove formed on both sides of the longitudinal groove of the mountingpart and a projection formed on the panel housing to correspond to theinclined groove.

[0049] According to still another embodiment of the present invention,the cover means is formed of a sheet cover so that it can be extended orshrunken by cover driving means when the panel housing is folded orunfolded.

[0050] The cover means comprises a concave portion and a convex portion.

[0051] The case may further comprise a shelter for receiving the covermeans when the panel housing is unfolded. And the case may furthercomprise an elastic member disposed between one end portion of the covermeans and an inner wall of the shelter.

[0052] The cover driving means comprises an elastic member connected tothe other end portion of the cover means and the panel housing.

[0053] The cover driving means comprises a gear part formed on an outercircumference of a first cylinder of the folding support memberconnected to the panel housing, and idle and driving gears engaged withand driven by the gear part, the cover means being provided with concaveand convex portions engaged with the driving gear.

[0054] The present invention will be described more in detail withreference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0055]FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views illustrating a case for aportable display device according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0056] FIGS. 3 to 4 are sectional views illustrating the foldingoperation of the first embodiment;

[0057]FIGS. 5 and 6 are respectively a sectional view and a perspectiveview illustrating cover-folding means of a case according to a firstembodiment of the present invention;

[0058]FIGS. 7 and 8 are sectional views illustrating another cover meansof the first embodiment;

[0059]FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating another example of thecover means of the first embodiment;

[0060] FIGS. 10 to 12 are respectively a perspective view and sectionalviews illustrating a case for a portable display device according to asecond embodiment of the present invention;

[0061]FIG. 13 is a sectional view illustrating another example of covermeans of the second embodiment;

[0062]FIGS. 14 and 15 are perspective views illustrating a case for aportable display device according to a third embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0063]FIGS. 16 and 17 are perspective views illustrating another exampleof cover means of the third embodiment;

[0064]FIGS. 18 and 19 are perspective views illustrating a case for aportable display device according to a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0065]FIGS. 20 and 21 are perspective views illustrating another exampleof cover means of the fourth embodiment;

[0066] FIGS. 22 to 24 are views illustrating a case for a portabledisplay device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0067]FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating another example ofcover means of the fifth embodiment;

[0068] FIGS. 26 to 29 are views illustrating a case for a portabledisplay device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

[0069]FIG. 30 is a perspective view illustrating another example ofcover driving means of the sixth embodiment; and

[0070]FIGS. 31 and 32 are sectional views illustrating another exampleof cover driving means of the sixth embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0071] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be describedmore in detail hereinafter.

[0072] First Embodiment

[0073] FIGS. 1 to 4 show a case for a portable display device accordingto a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] The inventive foldable case includes a pair of panel housings 6and 8 for respectively receiving a pair flat display elements 2 and 4and a folding support 10 for coupling the panel housings 6 and 8 suchthat the panel housings 6 and 8 can be folded on a same plane or atleast 180°.

[0075] The flat display elements 2 and 4 are selected from the groupconsisting of an LCD, an FED, a PDP, and an EL including an organic EL.

[0076] The folding support 10 is preferably formed of a hinge assemblymounted on a border between the panel housings 6 and 8. The foldingsupport 10 should be mounted on a rotational center of the panelhousings 6 and 8 so that the adjacent sides of the flat panel elements 2and 4 can be exactly located on the border between the flat panelelements 2 and 4.

[0077] In addition, to minimize the non-display area, the flat displayelements 2 and 4 are designed to contact each other at their one side.To realize this, a portion of sidewalls of the panel housings 6 and 8are cut away to define an opening 12.

[0078] At this point, the contacting sides of the flat display elements2 and 4 are exposed through the opening 12 when they are folded on eachother, cover means for preventing the contacting sides of the flatdisplay elements 2 and 4 from being exposed is provided.

[0079] In this embodiment, the cover means 14 preferably includes acenter cover 142 for covering sidewall openings 12 of the panel housings6 and 8, and a side cover 146 extending from both sides of the centercover 142, foldably connected by a connecting member 144. A shelter 16is formed on the panel housings 6 and 8 and houses the cover means 14when the panel housings 6 and 8 are unfolded.

[0080] The side cover 146 is provided with a hinge shaft 148. And thehinge shaft 148 is coupled into a pin hole 18 formed on the shelter 16of the panel housings 6 and 8 so that the cover means 14 can rotate inthe shelter 16.

[0081] When the cover means 14 is formed of synthetic resins, theconnecting member 144 is defined by a thin part of the cover means 14 sothat it can be flexibly folded. When the cover means 14 is formed ofmetal or other hard materials, the connecting member 144 is defined by ahinge 150 (see FIG. 5). Accordingly, the cover means 14 is designed tobe easily folded and received inside the shelter 16.

[0082] The shelter 16 is a space for receiving the cover means 14, beingdefined on a sidewall of the opening 12. That is, the shelter 16receives the cover means 14 when the panel housings 6 and 8 are unfoldedso that the cover means is not exposed outside (see FIG. 4).

[0083] The cover means 14 covers the opening 12 when the panel housings6 and 8 are folded (see FIG. 3), and is received in the shelter when thepanel housings 6 and 8 are unfolded (see FIG. 4). In the presentinvention, cover-folding means for enhancing such an operation of thecover means is provided.

[0084]FIGS. 5 and 6 show preferred examples of the cover-folding means.

[0085] The cover-folding means shown in FIG. 5 is formed of an elasticmember 20 disposed between the inner wall 16 a of the shelter 16 and theside cover 146. The elastic member 20 biases the side cover 146 towardthe inner wall 16 a of the shelter 16 when the panel housings 6 and 8are unfolded as shown in FIG. 4 so that the cover means 14 easily rotatearound the hinge shaft 148 only in a direction toward the inside.

[0086] To prevent the cover means 14 from rotating in a direction towardthe outside, stoppers 22 covering a part of the opening of the shelter16 may be provided on the panel housings 6 and 8.

[0087] In addition, a shock-absorbing member 152 may be further mountedon an inner wall of the cover means 14 so as to prevent the cover means14 from directly contacting the panel housings 6 and 8. As theshock-absorbing member 152, an elastic member such as a rubber, asponge, or other elastic resins may be used. The shock-absorbing member152 may be formed on an entire inner surface of the cover means 14 or ononly the inner surface of the center cover 142.

[0088] The cover-folding means shown in FIG. 6 is defined by a guideprojection 154 formed on the side cover 146 and a guide groove 24 formedon the upper and lower walls 16 b of the shelter 16. The guide groove 24guides the innerward rotation of the guide projection 154.

[0089] The guide projection 154 and the guide groove 24 functions as thestopper 22. That is, when the panel housings 6 and 8 are unfolded asshown in FIG. 4, they prevents the outward rotation of the side cover146 while allowing for the innerward rotation, thereby realizing thereceiving and rotating operation of the cover means 14 into the shelter16.

[0090] To prevent the cover means 14 from being exposed outside when thecenter cover 142 is formed in an arc-shape, upper and lower covers 142 aare further provided.

[0091] The operation of the above-described foldable case of theportable display device is described hereinfter.

[0092] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the foldable case maintains the flatpanel display elements 2 and 4 being folded on each other, therebyproviding the convenient carrying and reserving. At this point, thecover means 14 covers the opening 12 of the panel housings 6 and 8 andthe sidewalls of the flat panel display elements 2 and 4.

[0093] When the display device is unfolded as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4,the cover means 14 rotates to be received in the shelter 16 while thepanel housings 6 and 8 are unfolded. That is, as the panel housings 6and 8 are unfolded, the side cover 146 rotates to move into the shelter16.

[0094]FIGS. 7 and 8 show another embodiment of the case of the portabledisplay device.

[0095] In the drawings, cover means 14 covering an opening 12 of panelhousings 6 and 8 includes a center cover 142′ and side cover 146′ formedon both sides of the center cover 142′ to be bendable.

[0096] The side cover 146′ is formed of plural unit covers connected byconnecting members 144. The connecting members 144 are formed by makingthe same to be thin or a hinge.

[0097] The side cover 146′ is preferable formed of fabric material orresins so that it can be flexibly bent.

[0098] The both ends of the side cover 146′ is received in a shelter 16.At this point, to prevent the side cover 146′ from being moved out ofthe shelter 16, a hook step 146′a is formed on the both ends of the sidecover 146′ and a stopper 22′ on which the hook step 146′a is hooked isformed on the shelter 16.

[0099] An elastic member 20 is disposed between one end of the sidecover 146′ and the inner wall 16 a of the shelter 16. The elastic member20 functions as the cover-folding means of the above embodiment. Thatis, the elastic member 20 biases the side cover 146′ so that the centercover 142′ closely contact the sidewall of the panel housings 6 and 8when the panel housings 6 and 8 are folded (see FIG. 7), and biases theside cover 146′ vertically to that the side cover 146′ is received inthe shelter 16 when the panel housings 6 and 8 are unfolded (see FIG.8).

[0100] Accordingly, the cover means 14 covers the opening 12 when thepanel housings 6 and 8 are folded and is completely received in theshelter 16 when the panel housings 6 and 8 are unfolded.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, to prevent the cover means 14from being inclined, as shown in FIG. 9, a mounting part 156 is formedon upper and lower portions of the center cover 142′ in a [-shape. Alongitudinal groove 156 a is formed on an inner surface of the mountingpart 156, and a shaft projection 10 a supportably coupled to thelongitudinal groove 156 a is formed on a folding supporting member 10.

[0102] Accordingly, the center cover 142′ is centrally disposed by thecoupling of the shaft projection 10 a and the longitudinal groove 156 a.In addition, the center cover 142 is slidable by the longitudinal groove156 a. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, when the panel housings 6 and 8 arefolded, the center cover 142′ slides to the sidewall of the panelhousings 6 and 8 (i.e, to the left hand in the drawing), and as shown inFIG. 8, when the panel housings 6 and 8 are unfolded, the center cover142′ slides to the right hand in the drawing.

[0103] In addition, to prevent the mounting part 156 of the center cover142′ from projecting out of the center cover 142′, a finalizing part 26enclosing the mounting part 156 is formed by enlarging the panelhousings 6 and 8.

[0104] Second Embodiment

[0105] FIGS. 10 to 12 show a case for a portable display deviceaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] The case includes a pair of panel housings 6 and 8 forrespectively receiving a pair flat display elements 2 and 4 and afolding support 10′, and cover means 14.

[0107] The folding support 10′ is preferably formed of a hinge assemblymounted on a border between the panel housings 6 and 8. The foldingsupport 10′ should be mounted on a rotational center of the panelhousings 6 and 8 so that the adjacent sides of the flat panel elements 2and 4 can be exactly located on the border between the flat panelelements 2 and 4.

[0108] In this embodiment, to cover the flat display elements 2 and 4exposed through the opening 12, cover means is provided.

[0109] The cover means 14 preferably includes plural unit covers 158connected to each other by a connecting portion 144. The connectingmember 144 is defined by a thin part of the cover means 14 so that itcan be flexibly folded. A hinge shaft 148 is mounted on the outermostunit cover 158.

[0110] Fixing means on which the hinge shaft 148 is fixed is formed onthe panel housing 6. The fixing means includes a groove 28, in which thehinge shaft 148 is inserted, formed on the panel housing 6 and a hookportion 28 a for preventing the hinge shaft 148 from moving away.

[0111] Accordingly, one end of the cover means 14 is fixed on the panelhousing 6 while the other end is free, which is received in the shelter16′.

[0112] Therefore, when the panel housings 6 and 8 are folded as shown inFIG. 11, the cover means 14 covers the opening 12 and the one sidewallof the flat panel display elements 2 and 4. When the panel housings 6and 8 are unfolded as shown in FIG. 12, the hinge shaft 148 is fixed andthe free end is moved into the shelter 16′.

[0113]FIG. 13 shows the cover means 14 both ends of which are fixed. Asshown in the drawing, the cover means 14 includes hinge shafts 148respectively provided on both outermost unit covers 158. The hingeshafts 148 are supportably fixed by fixing means.

[0114] The fixing means is mounted on the panel housings 6 and 8 andformed of hinge fixing member 28 b on which the hinge shafts 148 arerotatably coupled.

[0115] When the panel housings 6 and 8 are folded (see a solid line inthe drawing), the cover means 14 covers the sidewalls of the flat paneldisplay elements 2 and 4, and when unfolded (see a broken fine in thedrawing), extended outside.

[0116] The unit covers 158 may be connected to each other by aconnecting part 144 formed of hinges.

[0117] Third Embodiment

[0118] FIGS. 14 to 15 show a case for a portable display deviceaccording to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] The case includes a pair of panel housings 6 and 8 forrespectively receiving a pair flat display elements 2 and 4 and afolding support 10, and cover means 14.

[0120] In this embodiment, the cover means 14 for covering an opening 12of the panel housings 6 and 8 is designed to be extended when the panelhousings 6 and 8 are folded and to be contracted when unfolded.

[0121] That is, the cover means 14 is formed in a bellows-shape.Describing more in detail, the cover means 14 comprises a coupling part160 having coupling means fixed on an inner surface of the sidewall ofthe panel housings 6 and 8 and a bellows part 162.

[0122] The coupling part 160 includes a hole 160 a and a screw (notshown) coupled in the hole 160 a so as to be fixed on the inner surfaceof the panel housings 6 and 8.

[0123] The bellows part 162 is formed of fabric, plastic or syntheticresins. The coupling part 160 may be formed of material identical tothat of the bellows part 162 or a metal.

[0124] Accordingly, when the panel housings 6 and 8 are unfolded asshown in FIG. 14, the cover means 14 is shrunken to cover the opening12, and when folded as shown in FIG. 15, the cover means 14 is stretchedin a state where the opening 12 is covered.

[0125]FIGS. 16 and 17 show another example of the cover means 14.

[0126] As shown in the drawings, the cover means 14 includes a couplingpart 160, a bellows part 162, and a protecting cover 164 connected tothe folding support member 10 while covering the upper and lower sidesof the bellows part 162.

[0127] The protecting cover 164 prevents the upper and lower sides ofthe bellows part 162 from being exposed when the panel housings 6 and 8are folded, while enhancing the stretch or shrink operation of thebellows part 162. That is, the protecting cover 164 includes a couplingmember 164 a coupled to the folding support member 10 mounted on arotational center of the panel housings 6 and 8, a holder 164 b coupledto the coupling member 164 a and connected to the bellows part 162, anda cover 164 c covered by the holder 164 b. The coupling member 164 a isfitted in the holder 164 b. Preferably, the cover 164 c is formed ofmaterial identical to that of the bellows part 162.

[0128] Fourth Embodiment

[0129] FIGS. 18 to 19 show a foldable case for a portable display deviceaccording to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] The foldable case includes a pair of panel housings 6 and 8 forrespectively receiving a pair flat display elements 2 and 4 and afolding support 10, and cover means 14.

[0131] In this embodiment, the cover means 14 for covering an opening 12of the panel housings 6 and 8 is designed to be slid in more than twosteps. That is, the cover means 14 is formed in a sliding protectingmember for covering the opening 12 when the panel housings are foldedand received in the panel housings when the panel housings are unfolded.

[0132] In addition, plural unit covers may be slidably connected so thatthe cover means 14 can be folded in more than three steps.

[0133] Describing more in detail, the cover means 14 includes first,second and third covers 166, 168 and 170. For the sliding engagement,sliding grooves 166 a and 170 a are respectively provided on the firstand third covers 166 and 170, and a sliding projection 168 a engagedwith the sliding grooves 166 a and 170 a is formed on the second cover168.

[0134] The sliding projection 168 a is formed on inner and outersurfaces of the second cover 168 in an opposite direction so that thefirst and third covers 166 and 170 performs the folding operation in thethree steps.

[0135] The cover means 14 is fixed on an outer surface of the sidewallsof the panel housings 6 and 8 by coupling means. In this embodiment, thecoupling means includes bendable connecting parts 166 b and 170 bextending outside the first and third covers 166 and 170. The bendableconnecting parts 166 b and 170 b are pivotally fixed on the panelhousings 6 and 8.

[0136] To receive the cover means 14, a shelter 16″ is formed in thepanel housing 8. The shelter 16″ is formed of an additional panel 16″aattached on a surface of the panel housing 8. As shown in a broken lineof FIG. 18, the panel 16″a may be formed on the both panel housings 6and 8.

[0137] Accordingly, when the panel housings 6 and 8 are folded, thecover means 14 is stretched as shown in FIG. 18 to cover the opening 12and the sidewalls of the flat panel display elements 2 and 4. When thepanel housings 6 and 8 are unfolded, the cover means 14 is received inthe shelter 16″.

[0138]FIG. 20 and 21 shows another example of the cover means 14.

[0139] In this example, the cover means 14 includes first, second andthird covers 166′, 168′ and 170′. A sliding projection 168′a of thesecond cover 168′ is coupled to sliding grooves 166′a and 170′a of thefirst and third covers 166′ and 170′. The sliding projection 168′a isformed in the inner surface of the second cover 168′ so that the firstand third covers 166′ and 170′ can be received in the second cover 168′when the panel housings 6 and 8 are unfolded.

[0140] To prevent the cover means 14 from directing in only onedirection during the folding and unfolding operation, a [-shaped mountpart 168′b is mounted on the upper and lower portions of the secondcover 168′, and a longitudinal groove 168′c is formed on an innersurface of the mount part 168′b. A shaft projection 10 a engaged withthe longitudinal groove 168′c is formed on the folding support member10.

[0141] Accordingly, by the engagement of the shaft projection 10 a andthe longitudinal groove 168′c, the second cover 168′ can be located onthe center. As the second cover 168′ is designed to slide by thelongitudinal groove 168′c, the second cover 168′ can smoothly moves toor from the sidewalls of the panel housings 6 and 8 during the foldingand unfolding operation of the panel housings 6 and 8.

[0142] In this embodiment, the cover means 14 is formed of three unitcovers. However, the present invention is not limited to thisembodiment. That is, when the unit cover is flexibly formed, the numberof unit covers can be limited to two.

[0143] Fifth Embodiment

[0144] FIGS. 22 to 24 show a case for a portable display deviceaccording to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0145] The case includes a pair of panel housings 6 and 8 forrespectively receiving a pair flat display elements 2 and 4 and afolding support 10, and cover means 14.

[0146] In this embodiment, the cover means 14 for covering an opening 12of the panel housings 6 and 8 is designed to enhance the unfoldingoperation of the panel housings.

[0147] The cover means 14 is located behind the border of the panelhousings. And the cover means is formed in a [-shape.

[0148] Describing more in detail, the cover means 14 includes a coverbody 172 and a mount part 174 formed on upper and lower portions of thecover body 172, thereby defining the [-shape. A longitudinal groove 174a is formed on the mount part 174. A shaft projection 10 a is slidablycoupled to the longitudinal groove 174 a.

[0149] Accordingly, when the panel housings 6 and 8 are unfolded (seeupper sides of FIG. 24), the cover means 14 is pushed rearward, and whenfolded (see lower sides of FIG. 23), is moved forward.

[0150] To realize the sliding operation in only one direction, aninclined groove 174 b is formed on the both sides of the longitudinalgroove 174 a. A projection 10 b engaged with the inclined groove 174 bis formed on the panel housings 6 and 8. The inclined groove 174 b andthe projection 10 b allows the sidewalls of the cover means 14 toclosely contact the panel housings 6 and 8.

[0151] To enhance the close contact of the panel housings to thesidewalls of the cover means 14, the inclined groove 174 b may be formedin an arc-shape.

[0152] When the panel housings 6 and 8 are folded, the cover means 14covers the opening 12 and the sidewalls of the flat panel displayelements 2 and 4 as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. At this point, theprojection 10 b of the panel housings 6 and 8 is caught by a front endof the inclined groove 174 b, and the shaft projection 10 a is caught bythe rear end of the longitudinal groove 174 a.

[0153] When the panel housings 6 and 8 are unfolded to use the displaydevice as shown in FIG. 24, the projection 10 b is moved to the rearside of the inclined groove 174 b and the shaft projection 10 a is movedto the front side of the longitudinal groove 174 a. However, thelocation of the cover means 14 is not varied. That is, only theprojection 10 b and the shaft projection 10 a slides along the grooves174 b and 174 a.

[0154]FIG. 25 shows another example of the cover means.

[0155] To prevent the panel housings 6 and 8 from being inadvertentlyunfolded, the cover means 14 includes a guide wall 176 enclosing thesidewalls of the panel housings 6 and 8 when they are folded.

[0156] In this embodiment, two rotational bars 10 c, each one end ofwhich coupled on the panel housings 6 and 8 and each the other end ofwhich is coupled to a rotational shaft 10 d are mounted on the foldingsupport member 10. The rotational shaft 10 d is located on a rotationalcenter of the panel housings 6 and 8.

[0157] In addition, to enhance the unfolding operation of the panelhousings 6 and 8, a second projection 174 c is formed inside thelongitudinal groove 174 a of the cover means 14, and an elastic member30 is mounted between the second projection 174 c and the rotationalshaft 10 d of the panel housings 6 and 8. The elastic member 30 biasesthe cover means 14 to the panel housings 6 and 8 when the case is foldedor unfolded, thereby completely covers the opening 12 and the flat paneldisplay elements 2 and 4.

[0158] Sixth Embodiment

[0159] FIGS. 26 to 29 show a case for a portable display deviceaccording to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0160] The case includes a pair of panel housings 6 and 8 forrespectively receiving a pair flat display elements 2 and 4 and afolding support 10, and cover means 14.

[0161] In this embodiment, the cover means 14 for supporting the flatpanel display elements 2 and 4 to contact each other when the panelhousings 6 and 8 are unfolded and for covering an opening 12 of thepanel housings 6 and 8 when the panel housings 6 and 8 are folded isprovided. In addition, cover driving means for opening and closing thecover means 14 together with the folding and unfolding operation of thepanel housings 6 and 8 is further provided.

[0162] The cover means 14 is designed not to interfere the close contactof the flat panel display elements of the panel housings 6 and 8.

[0163] The cover driving means is formed of an elastic member or a gear.

[0164] The cover means 14 of this embodiment is formed in a sheet-shapebody so that it can be flexibly bent to cover the sidewalls of the flatpanel display elements 2 and 4.

[0165] The cover means 14 is provided at its inner surface with concaveportion 178 a and convex portion 178 b. The convex portion 178 b isformed in a rectangular panel, and the concave portion 178 a is formedin flexible connector. The cover means 14 may be formed in abellows-shape to provide the concave and convex portions 178 a and 178b.

[0166] The cover driving means of this embodiment includes a gear part32 a formed on an outer circumference of a first cylinder 10 e of thefolding support member 10, an idle gear 32 b engaged with the gear part32 a, and a driving gear 32 c engaged with the concave and convexportions 178 a and 178 b of the cover means 14. The idle gear 32 b andthe driving gear 32 c are mounted inside the panel housing 8.

[0167] Accordingly, the rotation motion of the panel housing 6 and thefolding support member 10 linearly moves the cover means 14. Thereference numeral 10 f indicates a second cylinder of the foldingsupport member 10.

[0168] In this embodiment, when the panel housings 6 and 8 are foldedfrom the unfolded state (see FIGS. 26 and 27), the first cylinder 10 erotates counterclockwise in the drawings while rotating the idle gear 32b and the driving gear 32 c, thereby spreading the cover means 14 in therightward direction in FIG. 27.

[0169] As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, when the panel housings 6 and 8 arecompletely folded, the cover means 14 covers the opening 12 and thesidewalls of the flat panel display elements 2 and 4.

[0170] One end of the cover means 14 is fixed on the panel housing 6,and the other end of the cover means 14 is freely received in the panelhousing 8 while being guided by a shelter 16″.

[0171]FIG. 30 shows another example of the cover driving means.

[0172] The cover driving means includes a gear part 32 a formed on theouter circumference of the first cylinder 10 e of the folding supportmember 10 and idle gear 32 b and driving gear 32 c engaged with the gearpart 32 a. The shelter 16′ is formed in both of the panel housings 6 and8.

[0173]FIGS. 31 and 32 show another example of the cover driving means.

[0174] The cover driving means does not employ the gear but uses anelastic member 34.

[0175] Describing more in detail, the cover driving means includes theelastic member 34 connected between one end of the cover means 14 andthe panel housing 8 in a state where the other end of the cover means 14is fixed on the panel housing 6. The cover means 14 is formed of a sheetattachable using an adhesive.

[0176] When a shelter 16′ is formed, the elastic member 34 is connectedbetween the inner wall of the shelter 16′ and the cover means 14.

[0177] Accordingly, when the panel housings 6 and 8 are unfolded, asshown in FIG. 31, the cover means 14 is received in the shelter 16′ bythe elastic member 34, and when folded, is expanded to cover the opening12 and the sidewalls of the flat panel display elements 2 and 4 whileovercoming the elastic force of the elastic member 34 as shown in FIG.32.

[0178] Industrial Applicability

[0179] As described above, since the foldable case is designed toconnect the plural display elements each other, a multi informationdisplay device having one enlarged screen can be realized.

[0180] Particularly, when the portable display device is unfolded, sincethe adjacent display elements are exactly coincided, the non-displayarea is minimized, thereby enhancing the display quality.

[0181] In addition, since the exposed parts of the display elements canbe covered by the cover means, it can be prevented that the device isdamaged by outer shock.

1. A case for a portable display device, comprising: a foldable panelhousing receiving at least two flat panel display elements, the flatpanel display elements having adjacent sidewalls contacting each otherwhen the panel housing is unfolded; a folding support member forsupporting a folding operation of the panel housing; and cover means forcovering the adjacent sidewalls of the flat panel display elements whenthe panel housing is folded.
 2. A case of claim 1 wherein the panelhousing includes an opening defined by cutting the sidewalls, theopening being designed such that the adjacent sidewalls of the flatpanel display elements contact each other when the panel housing isunfolded.
 3. A case of claim 1 wherein the cover means is mounted on thefolding part of the panel housing.
 4. A case of claim 1 wherein thecover means is operated to a location where the cover means dose notinterfere the contact of the adjacent sidewalls of the flat paneldisplay elements when the panel housing is unfolded.
 5. A case of claim1 wherein the panel housing is provided with a space in which the covermeans is received when the panel housing is folded, the space beinglocated on an inner or outer side of the panel housing.
 6. A case ofclaim 1 further comprising fixing means for fixing the cover means, thefixing means being an elastic member.
 7. A case of claim 1 wherein thefolding support member includes a hinge mounted on a rotational centerof the panel housing.
 8. A case of claim 1 wherein the folding supportmember includes two rotational bars one ends of which is coupled to thepanel housing and a rotational shaft on which each the other ends of therotational bars are fixed.
 9. A case of claim 1 wherein the cover meanscomprises shock-absorbing means mounted on an inner surface of which.10. A case of claim 1 wherein the cover means comprises a center coverfor covering the sidewalls of the flat panel display elements andbendable side covers extending from both sides of the center cover, thecenter cover being received in a shelter formed on the panel housingwhen the panel housing is unfolded.
 11. A case of claim 10 wherein aflexible connecting member is disposed between the center cover and theside covers.
 12. A case of claim 10 wherein the cover means furthercomprises a cover mounted on upper and lower portion of the centercover.
 13. A case of claim 10 wherein the cover means further comprisesa hinge shaft projected from the side covers and coupled to the panelhousing.
 14. A case of claim 10 further comprising cover-folding meansfor folding the cover means to the shelter when the panel housing isfolded and unfolded.
 15. A case of claim 14 wherein the cover-foldingmeans comprises an elastic member coupled between an inner wall of theshelter and the side covers.
 16. A case of claim 14 wherein thecover-folding means comprises a stopper for preventing the side coversfrom rotating outward.
 17. A case of claim 14 wherein the cover-foldingmeans comprises a guide projection formed on the side covers and a guidegroove for guiding an inward rotation of the guide projection to theshelter.
 18. A case of claim 10 wherein the side covers include pluralunit covers between which connecting portions are formed so that theside covers are bendable.
 19. A case of claim 10 wherein the side coveris formed of a flexible sheet.
 20. A case of claim 1 wherein the covermeans is designed to be flexible and received in a shelter of the panelhousing, the shelter receiving the cover means so that the cover meansis not exposed outside when the panel housing is unfolded.
 21. A case ofclaim 20 wherein the cover means comprises a center cover for coveringthe sidewalls of the flat panel display elements, side covers connectedto both sides of the center cover by connecting portions, and a hookstep formed on one ends of the side covers.
 22. A case of claim 21further comprising an elastic member connected between an inner wall ofthe shelter and the hook step.
 23. A case of claim 21 wherein the covermeans is formed of plural unit covers between which connecting portionsare disposed such that the cover means is flexible.
 24. A case of claim21 wherein the cover means is formed of a flexible sheet.
 25. A case ofclaim 21 wherein the cover means further comprises a mounting partmounted on upper and lower portions of the center cover and alongitudinal groove formed on the mounting part, the folding supportmember being provided with a shaft projection coupled to thelongitudinal groove.
 26. A case of claim 25 further comprising afinalizing part formed on the panel housing to enclose the mountingpart.
 27. A case of claim 1 wherein the cover means comprises first andsecond unit covers flexibly connected by a connecting part, the firstunit cover being fixed on a panel housing, and the second unit coverbeing receiving in a shelter.
 28. A case of claim 27 wherein the covermeans further comprises a hinge shaft mounted on the first unit cover,the hinge shaft being inserted into a groove formed on the panelhousing, the panel housing is provided with a hook portion forpreventing the hinge shaft from moving away.
 29. A case of claim 27wherein the both ends of the cover means are rotatably coupled on thepanel housing to cover the opening when the panel housing is folded. 30.A case of claim 1 wherein the cover means is formed of flexible sheet,one end of which is fixed inside a panel housing and the other end ofwhich is mounted on the other panel housing with an elastic memberinterposed.
 31. A case of claim 30 wherein the cover means is attachedon the inner surface of a panel housing.
 32. A case of claim 30 whereinthe one end of the cover means connected to the elastic member isreceived in the shelter.
 33. A case of claim 1 wherein the cover meansis designed to be extended when the panel housing is folded and to beshrunken when the panel housing is unfolded.
 34. A case of claim 33wherein the cover means is formed in a bellows-shape.
 35. A case ofclaim 34 further comprising a protecting cover for covering upper andlower portions of the cover means
 36. A case of claim 35 wherein theprotecting cover comprises a coupling member coupled to the foldingsupport member, a holder coupled to the coupling member and connected toa bellows part of the cover means, and a cover for covering the holder.37. A case of claim 33 wherein the cover means is formed of a materialselected from the group consisting of fabric and synthetic resin.
 38. Acase of claim 38 wherein the cover means comprises a coupling part fixedon an inner surface of the sidewall of the panel housing and a bellowspart.
 39. A case of claim 1 wherein the cover means is formed of pluralunit covers slidably connected to each other.
 40. A case of claim 39further comprising a shelter for receiving the cover means when thepanel housing is unfolded.
 41. A case of claim 40 wherein the shelter isformed on the sidewall of the panel housing.
 42. A case of claim 39wherein the cover means comprises first and third covers each having asliding groove, a second cover having a sliding projection slidablyinserted into the sliding grooves, and a bendable connecting partextending from the first and third covers and rotatably coupled to thepanel housing.
 43. A case of claim 42 wherein a plurality of slidingprojection is formed on inner and outer surfaces of the second cover.44. A case of claim 42 wherein a plurality of sliding projection isformed on an inner surface of the second cover.
 45. A case of claim 42wherein the cover means further comprises a mounting part formed onupper and lower portions of the second cover and a longitudinal grooveformed on an inner surface of the mounting part and coupled to a shaftprojection of the folding support member.
 46. A case of claim 1 furthercomprising sliding guide means for guiding the cover means behind thefolding part of the panel housing when the panel housing is unfolded.47. A case of claim 46 wherein the cover means comprises a cover bodyfor covering the opening of the panel housing and the sidewalls of theflat panel display elements and a mounting part formed on upper andlower portions of the cover body.
 48. A case of claim 47 wherein themounting part is provided with a groove in which a shaft projection ofthe folding support member is coupled.
 49. A case of claim 47 whereinthe folding support member comprises two rotational bars one ends ofwhich is coupled to the panel housing and a rotational shaft on whicheach the other ends of the rotational bars are fixed.
 50. A case ofclaim 49 wherein a longitudinal groove coupled to the rotational shaftis formed on an inner surface of the mounting part.
 51. A case of claim47 wherein the cover means further comprises a guide wall enclosing thesidewall of the panel housing to prevent the panel housing frominadvertently unfolding.
 52. A case of claim 47 wherein the slidingguide means comprises a longitudinal groove formed on the mounting partand a shaft projection formed on the folding support member and coupledto the longitudinal groove.
 53. A case of claim 52 further comprising anelastic member coupled between the shaft projection and the cover means.54. A case of claim 52 wherein the mounting part is further providedwith an incline groove formed on both sides of the longitudinal grooveand a projection formed on the panel housing to correspond to theinclined groove.
 55. A case of claim 1 wherein the cover means is formedof a sheet cover so that it can be bended or unbended by cover drivingmeans when the panel housing is folded or unfolded.
 56. A case of claim55 wherein the cover means comprises a concave portion and a convexportion.
 57. A case of claim 55 further comprising a shelter forreceiving the cover means when the panel housing is unfolded.
 58. A caseof claim 57 further comprising an elastic member disposed between oneend portion of the cover means and an inner wall of the shelter.
 59. Acase of claim 55 wherein the cover driving means comprises an elasticmember connected to the other end portion of the cover means and thepanel housing.
 60. A case of claim 55 wherein the cover driving meanscomprises a gear part formed on an outer circumference of a firstcylinder of the folding support member connected to the panel housing,and idle and driving gears engaged with and driven by the gear part, thecover means being provided with concave and convex portions engaged withthe driving gear.
 61. A case of claim 60 wherein the idle and drivinggears are mounted on the panel housing.